Nozzle head module and electrospinning apparatus

ABSTRACT

According to one embodiment, a nozzle head module includes a nozzle head having a hole electing a source material liquid, the nozzle head being configured to have a first voltage and an electrode provided to be relatively movable with respect to the nozzle head, the electrode being configured to have a second voltage. The second voltage is of the same polarity as the first voltage.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority fromthe Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-054365, filed on Mar. 17, 2016,and the PCT Patent Application PCT/JP2016/075853, filed on Sep. 2, 2016;the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

An embodiment of the invention relates to a nozzle head module and anelectrospinning apparatus.

BACKGROUND

There is an electrospinning apparatus in which a fine fiber is depositedon the surface of a member by electrospinning (also called electricfield spinning, charge-induced spinning, etc.).

A nozzle head that ejects a source material liquid is provided in theelectrospinning apparatus.

The source material liquid is attracted by an electrostatic force (aCoulomb force) acting along lines of electric force between the nozzlehead and a collector. Then, the fiber is formed by the volatilization ofa solvent included in the source material liquid; and the fiber that isformed is deposited on a collector and/or the member to form a depositedbody.

In such a case, it has been difficult to control the deposition state ofthe fiber because the fiber moves through air due to the electrostaticforce.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view for illustrating an electrospinning apparatusaccording to the embodiment;

FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are schematic views for illustrating other movementmodes of an electrode;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view for illustrating equipotential lines in thecase where the electrodes are moved in a direction to approach thenozzle head;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view for illustrating the equipotential lines inthe case where the electrodes are moved in a direction away from thenozzle head;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view for illustrating the control of the positionwhere the fiber is deposited and of the deposition amount in theprescribed region;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic views for illustrating the control of thealignment state of the deposited fiber;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic views for illustrating the control of thealignment state of the deposited fiber;

FIGS. 9A to 9D are schematic views for illustrating forms of thedeposited body; and

FIGS. 10A and 10B are schematic perspective views for illustrating thecounter electrodes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to one embodiment, a nozzle head module includes a nozzle headhaving a hole electing a source material liquid, the nozzle head beingconfigured to have a first voltage and an electrode provided to berelatively movable with respect to the nozzle head, the electrode beingconfigured to have a second voltage. The second voltage is of the samepolarity as the first voltage.

Embodiments will now be illustrated with reference to the drawings.Similar components in the drawings are marked with the same referencenumerals; and a detailed description is omitted as appropriate.

Also, although a so-called needle-type nozzle head is illustrated as anexample hereinbelow, the type of the nozzle head is not limited thereto.The nozzle head may be, for example, a so-called blade-type nozzle head,etc.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view for illustrating an electrospinning apparatus100 according to the embodiment.

FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are schematic views for illustrating other movementmodes of an electrode 30.

As shown in FIG. 1, a nozzle head module 1, a source material liquidsupplier 4, a power supply 5, a collector 6, and a controller 7 areprovided in the electrospinning apparatus 100.

The nozzle head module 1 includes a nozzle head 2 and an electric fieldcontroller 3.

The nozzle head 2 has a hole for electing the source material liquid(hereafter, first liquid). In the case of the nozzle head 2 which is aneedle-type nozzle head, the hole for electing the first liquid isprovided in the interior of a nozzle 20. In the case of a blade-typenozzle head, the nozzle 20 and a connector 21 are not provided; and thehole for electing the first liquid is provided in the interior of a mainpart 22.

The nozzle head 2 which is a needle-type nozzle head includes the nozzle20, the connector 21, and the main part 22.

The nozzle 20 has a needle-like configuration. The hole for ejecting thefirst liquid is provided in the interior of the nozzle 20. The hole forejecting the first liquid communicates between the end portion of thenozzle 20 on the connector 21 side and the end portion (the tip) of thenozzle 20 on the collector 6 side. An opening of the hole for ejectingthe first liquid on the collector 6 side is an outlet 20 a.

Although the outer diameter dimension (in the case where the nozzle 20has a cylindrical configuration, the diametrical dimension) of thenozzle 20 is not particularly limited, it is favorable for the outerdiameter dimension to be small. If the outer diameter dimension is setto be small, electric field concentration occurs easily at the vicinityof the outlet 20 a of the nozzle 20. If the electric field concentrationoccurs at the vicinity of the outlet 20 a of the nozzle 20, the strengthof the electric field generated between the collector 6 and the nozzle20 can be increased. Therefore, the voltage that is applied by the powersupply 5 can be set to be low. In other words, the drive voltage can bereduced. In such a case, the outer diameter dimension of the nozzle 20can be set to be, for example, about 0.3 mm to 1.3 mm.

The dimension (in the case where the outlet 20 a is a circle, thediametrical dimension) of the outlet 20 a is not particularly limited.The dimension of the outlet 20 a can be modified appropriately accordingto the cross-sectional dimension of a fiber 200 to be formed. Thedimension of the outlet 20 a (the inner diameter dimension of the nozzle20) can be set to be, for example, about 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

The nozzle 20 is formed from a conductive material. It is favorable forthe material of the nozzle 20 to be conductive and to have resistance tothe first liquid described below. For example, the nozzle 20 can beformed from stainless steel, etc.

The number of the nozzles 20 is not particularly limited and can bemodified appropriately according to the size of the collector 6, etc. Itis sufficient for at least one nozzle 20 to be provided.

In the case where multiple nozzles 20 are provided, the multiple nozzles20 are provided to be arranged at a prescribed spacing. The arrangementform of the multiple nozzles 20 is not limited to the illustration. Forexample, in the embodiment, the multiple nozzles 20 can be provided tobe arranged in one column, can be provided to be arranged on acircumference or on concentric circles, or can be provided to bearranged in a staggered configuration or a matrix configuration.

The connector 21 is provided between the nozzle 20 and the main part 22.The connector 21 is not always necessary; and the nozzle 20 may beprovided directly at the main part 22. A hole for supplying the firstliquid from the main part 22 to the nozzle 20 is provided in theinterior of the connector 21. The hole that is provided in the interiorof the connector 21 communicates with the hole provided in the interiorof the nozzle 20 and the space provided in the interior of the main part22.

The connector 21 is formed from a conductive material. It is favorablefor the material of the connector 21 to be conductive and to haveresistance to the first liquid. For example, the connector 21 can beformed from stainless steel, etc.

The main part 22 has a plate configuration. A space where the firstliquid is stored is provided in the interior of the main part 22.

Also, a supply port 22 a is provided in the main part 22. The firstliquid that is supplied from the source material liquid supplier 4 isintroduced to the interior of the main part 22 via the supply port 22 a.The number and arrangement positions of the supply ports 22 a are notparticularly limited. For example, the supply port 22 a can be providedon the side opposite to the side where the nozzles 20 of the main part22 are provided.

The main part 22 is formed from a material having resistance to thefirst liquid. For example, the main part 22 can be formed from stainlesssteel, etc.

The electric field controller 3 controls the deposition state of thefiber 200 by controlling the electric field generated between the nozzlehead 2 and the collector 6.

The electric field controller 3 includes the electrode 30, a holder 31,a guide 32, a movement part 33, a transmission part 34, a driving part35, and a power supply 36.

The electrode 30 is provided on a side of the nozzle head 2 (the side ofthe surface of the main part 22 crossing the surface where the nozzle 20is connected). The number of the electrodes 30 is not particularlylimited. It is sufficient for at least one electrode 30 to be provided.

It is sufficient for the electrode 30 to be provided on at least oneside surface side of the nozzle head 2.

However, if the number of the electrodes 30 and/or the number of thepositions where the electrodes 30 are provided are increased, thevariations relating to the control of the deposition state of the fiber200 can be increased.

The position of the end portion (the tip) of the electrode 30 on thecollector 6 side is not particularly limited. However, the position ofthe tip of the electrode 30 can be set to be the same as the position ofthe tip of the nozzle 20; or the position of the tip of the electrode 30can be set to be further on the main part 22 side than is the positionof the tip of the nozzle 20.

In other words, in the direction in which the hole ejecting the firstliquid extends, the tip of the electrode 30 can be set to be further onthe side opposite to the side where the first liquid is ejected (thedirection further away from the direction in which the first liquid isejected) than is the tip of the nozzle head 2.

Thus, as necessary, a control is performed to suppress the effects onthe electric field at the periphery of the nozzle 20; and the adhesionof the first liquid drawn out from the nozzle 20 on the electrode 30,etc., also can be suppressed.

Although the configuration of the electrode 30 is not particularlylimited, for example, the electrode can have a solid needle-likeconfiguration. The electrode 30 that has the needle-like configurationextends in the direction in which the hole for ejecting the first liquidextends.

Although the outer diameter dimension of the electrode 30 having theneedle-like configuration is not particularly limited, it is favorablefor the outer diameter dimension to be small. If the outer diameterdimension is set to be small, electric field concentration occurs easilyat the tip of the electrode 30. If the electric field concentrationoccurs at the tip of the electrode 30, the strength of the electricfield generated between the electrode 30 and the collector 6 (or acounter electrode 37) can be increased. Therefore, the control of thedeposition state of the fiber 200 described below is easy. Also, thevoltage that is applied by the power supply 36 can be lower. In otherwords, the drive voltage can be reduced. In such a case, the outerdiameter dimension of the electrode 30 can be set to be, for example,about 0.3 mm to 1.3 mm.

Also, the electrode 30 may have a tapered tip. In such a case, the outerdiameter dimension of the tip can be set to be, for example, about 0.3mm to 1.3 mm.

The electrode 30 is conductive. For example, the electrode 30 can beformed from a metal such as a copper alloy, stainless steel, etc.

The holder 31 holds the electrode 30. For example, the electrode 30 canbe provided at the vicinity of one end portion of the holder 31. In thecase where the power supply 36 is provided, the holder 31 can be formedfrom an electrically insulative material such as a resin, etc. In thecase where the power supply 36 is not provided and the power supply 5applies a voltage to the nozzle 20 and the electrode 30, the holder 31can be formed from a conductive material such as a metal, etc. In such acase, the electrode 30 is electrically connected to the nozzle head 2.

The guide 32 is provided between the main part 22 and the holder 31. Theguide 32 regulates the movement direction of the electrode 30. Forexample, the guide 32 can be a linear motion bearing, etc.

The movement part 33 moves the electrode 30 by the holder 31. Forexample, the movement part 33 can have a screw mechanism. In such acase, the movement part 33 can have a rod configuration with aleft-handed thread on one end portion and a right-handed thread on theother end portion. Thus, by rotating the movement part 33 in onedirection, two electrodes 30 provided to oppose can be moved indirections approaching the nozzle head 2. Also, by rotating the movementpart 33 in the other direction, the two electrodes 30 provided to opposecan be moved in directions away from the nozzle head 2.

The transmission part 34 is provided between the driving part 35 and themovement part 33. The transmission part 34 transfers the driving forcefrom the driving part 35 to the movement part 33. For example, thetransmission part 34 can be a timing belt and a timing pulley, etc. Itis favorable for at least a portion of the transmission part 34 to beelectrically insulative and for the driving part 35 to be electricallyinsulated from the power supply 5 and the power supply 36. In the caseillustrated in FIG. 1, the driving part 35 is electrically insulatedfrom the power supply 5 and the power supply 36 by a timing belt made ofrubber, etc. Thus, the protection of the driving part 35 can berealized.

For example, the driving part 35 can be a control motor such as a servomotor, etc.

Also, a sensor that directly or indirectly senses the position of theelectrode 30, etc., can be provided appropriately.

Although the case is illustrated where the electrode 30 moves in adirection (e.g., the horizontal direction) crossing the direction inwhich the hole for ejecting the first liquid extends (corresponding tothe direction in which the first liquid is ejected), the electrode 30also can move in the direction (e.g., the vertical direction) in whichthe hole for ejecting the first liquid extends; or the electrode 30 canmove in the direction in which the hole for ejecting the first liquidextends and the direction crossing the direction in which the hole forejecting the first liquid extends.

Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the electrode 30 may be able to move in therotation direction (the θ direction) around the periphery of the nozzlehead 2. In such a case, the electrode is provided in the nozzle head 2with the holder 31 interposed. In the nozzle head 2, the holder 31 isconfigured to rotate with, as an axis, a direction substantially alignedwith the direction in which the first liquid is ejected from the hole.Thereby, in the nozzle head 2, it is possible for the tip of theelectrode 30 to rotate in a circular arc-like configuration around adirection substantially aligned with the direction in which the firstliquid is ejected from the hole. In other words, as shown in FIG. 2, theelectrode 30 is configured so that rotational movement is possible inthe θ direction around the periphery of the nozzle head 2.

Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the electrode 30 may be caused to reciprocatewith respect to the nozzle head 2. In such a case, the electrode 30 isprovided in the nozzle head 2 with the holder 31 interposed; and theholder 31 is configured to rotate with, as an axis, a direction crossingthe direction in which the holes ejecting the first liquid are arranged.Thereby, the nozzle head 2 is configured so that the tip of theelectrode 30 is movable to change the spacing distance to the holesejecting the first liquid by rotating in a circular arc-likeconfiguration with, as an axis, a direction crossing the direction inwhich the holes ejecting the first liquid are arranged.

Here, the control of the movement of the electrode 30 may be uniaxialcontrol or may be multi-axis control.

Also, although the case is illustrated where the electrode 30 moves withrespect to the nozzle head 2, the nozzle head 2 may move with respect tothe electrode 30. In other words, it is sufficient for the electrode 30to be relatively movable with respect to the nozzle head 2.

In the case where the nozzle head 2 is moved with respect to theelectrode 30, it is sufficient to mount the nozzle head 2 to anot-illustrated housing of the electrospinning apparatus 100 via anelectrically insulative bracket, etc., and to mount the electrode 30,the holder 31, the guide 32, the movement part 33, the transmission part34, the driving part 35, the power supply 36, etc., to the housing viaan electrically insulative bracket, etc.

If the nozzle head 2 can move with respect to the electrode 30, itbecomes easy to adjust the process conditions (e.g., the distancebetween the nozzle head 2 and the collector 6).

On the other hand, if the electrode 30 can move with respect to thenozzle head 2, the deposition state of the fiber 200 can be controlledin a state in which the process conditions are fixed.

The power supply 36 applies a voltage to the electrode 30. In the casewhere the electrodes 30 are multiply provided, the power supply 36applies the voltage to the multiple electrodes 30. The polarity of thevoltage applied to the electrode 30 is the same as the polarity of thevoltage applied to the nozzle 20. The power supply 36 illustrated inFIG. 1 applies a positive voltage to the electrode 30. The voltage thatis applied to the electrode 30 is not particularly limited. In such acase, if the voltage that is applied to the electrode 30 and the voltagethat is applied to the nozzle 20 are about the same, the occurrence ofelectro-discharge between the electrode 30 and the nozzle 20 can besuppressed.

Also, the power supply 36 may be able to change the voltage applied tothe electrode 30. If the voltage applied to the electrode 30 can bechanged, the variations relating to the control of the deposition stateof the fiber 200 can be increased.

For example, the power supply 36 can be a direct current-high voltagepower supply. For example, the power supply 36 can output a directcurrent voltage that is not less than 10 kV and not more than 100 kV.

The power supply 36 is not always necessary and can be omitted. In thecase where the power supply 36 is not provided, the power supply 5applies the voltage to the electrode 30. If the power supply 36 isomitted, the configuration of the nozzle head module 1 can besimplified; and the manufacturing cost also can be reduced. Also, if thepower supply 36 is provided and the voltage applied to the electrode 30is changed, the variations relating to the control of the depositionstate of the fiber 200 can be increased.

The source material liquid supplier 4 includes a container 41, asupplier 42, a source material liquid controller 43, and a pipe 44.

The container 41 stores the first liquid. The container 41 is formedfrom a material having resistance to the first liquid. For example, thecontainer 41 can be formed from stainless steel, etc.

The first liquid is a polymeric substance dissolved in a solvent.

The polymeric substance is not particularly limited and can be modifiedappropriately according to the material properties of the fiber 200 tobe formed.

It is sufficient for the solvent to be able to dissolve the polymericsubstance. The solvent can be modified appropriately according to thepolymeric substance to be dissolved.

As described below, the first liquid collects at the vicinity of theoutlet 20 a due to surface tension. To this end, the viscosity of thefirst liquid can be modified appropriately according to the dimension ofthe outlet 20 a, etc. The viscosity of the first liquid can bedetermined by performing experiments and/or simulations. Also, theviscosity of the first liquid can be controlled by the mixtureproportion of the solvent and the polymeric substance.

The supplier 42 supplies the first liquid stored in the container 41 tothe main part 22. For example, the supplier 42 can be a pump that isresistant to the first liquid, etc. Also, for example, the supplier 42may feed the first liquid stored in the container 41 by pressurizing bysupplying a gas to the container 41.

The source material liquid controller 43 controls the flow rate,pressure, etc., of the first liquid supplied to the main part 22 so thatthe first liquid in the interior of the main part 22 is not pushed outfrom the outlet 20 a when new first liquid is supplied to the interiorof the main part 22. The control amount for the source material liquidcontroller 43 can be modified appropriately using the dimension of theoutlet 20 a, the viscosity of the first liquid, etc. The control amountfor the source material liquid controller 43 can be determined byperforming experiments and/or simulations.

Also, the source material liquid controller 43 may switch between thestart of the supply and the stop of the supply of the first liquid.

The supplier 42 and the source material liquid controller 43 are notalways necessary. For example, if the container 41 is provided at aposition that is higher than the position of the main part 22, the firstliquid can be supplied to the main part 22 by utilizing gravity. Then,the first liquid that is in the interior of the main part 22 can becaused not to be pushed out from the outlet 20 a when the new firstliquid is supplied to the interior of the main part 22 by appropriatelysetting the height position of the container 41. In such a case, theheight position of the container 41 can be modified appropriately usingthe dimension of the outlet 20 a, the viscosity of the first liquid,etc. The height position of the container 41 can be determined byperforming experiments and/or simulations.

The pipe 44 is provided between the container 41 and the supplier 42,between the supplier 42 and the source material liquid controller 43,and between the source material liquid controller 43 and the main part22. The pipe 44 is used as a flow channel of the first liquid. The pipe44 is formed from a material having resistance to the first liquid.

The power supply 5 applies the voltage to the nozzle 20 via the mainpart 22 and the connector 21. In other words, a voltage of a prescribedpolarity is applied to the nozzle head 2. Not-illustrated terminals thatare electrically connected to the multiple nozzles 20 may be provided.In such a case, the power supply 5 applies the voltage to the nozzles 20via the not-illustrated terminals. In other words, it is sufficient forthe voltage to be able to be applied to the multiple nozzles 20 from thepower supply 5.

Further, in the case where the power supply 36 is not provided, thepower supply 5 applies the voltage also to the electrode 30.

The polarity of the voltage applied to the nozzles 20 can be set to bepositive or set to be negative. The power supply 5 illustrated in FIG. 1applies a positive voltage to the nozzles 20.

The voltage that is applied to the nozzles 20 can be modifiedappropriately according to the type of the polymeric substance includedin the first liquid, the distance between the collector 6 and thenozzles 20, etc. For example, the power supply 5 can apply a voltage tothe nozzles 20 so that the potential difference between the collector 6and the nozzles 20 is 10 kV or more.

For example, the power supply 5 can be a direct current-high voltagepower supply. For example, the power supply 5 can output a directcurrent voltage that is not less than 10 kV and not more than 100 kV.

The collector 6 is provided on the side of the multiple nozzles 20 wherethe first liquid is ejected. The collector 6 is grounded. A voltage thathas the reverse polarity of the voltage applied to the nozzles 20 may beapplied to the collector 6. The collector 6 can be formed from aconductive material. It is favorable for a material of the collector 6to be conductive and to have resistance to the first liquid. Forexample, the material of the collector 6 can be stainless steel, etc.

For example, the collector 6 can have a plate configuration or a sheetconfiguration. In the case where the collector 6 has a sheetconfiguration, the fiber 200 may be deposited on the collector 6 that iswound on a roll, etc.

Also, the collector 6 may be able to move. For example, a pair ofrotating drums and a driving part that rotates the rotating drums may beprovided; and the collector 6 that has the sheet configuration may becaused to move between the pair of rotating drums like the belt of abelt conveyor. Thus, a continuous deposition operation is possiblebecause the region where the fiber 200 is deposited can be caused tomove. Therefore, the production efficiency of a deposited body 210 madeof the fiber 200 can be increased.

The deposited body 210 that is formed on the collector 6 is removed fromthe collector 6. For example, the deposited body 210 is used in anonwoven cloth, a filter, etc. The applications of the deposited body210 are not limited to those illustrated. Also, the collector 6 can beomitted. For example, the deposited body 210 that is made of the fiber200 can be directly formed on the surface of a conductive member. Insuch a case, it is sufficient to ground the conductive member or toapply to the conductive member a voltage having the reverse polarity ofthe voltage applied to the nozzles 20.

Further, the deposited body 210 also can be formed by providing a basematerial on the collector 6 and by depositing the fiber 200 on the basematerial. Thus, the deposited body 210 can be formed even on anelectrically insulative base material.

In such a case, the base material may move on the collector 6. Forexample, a rotating drum may be provided on which the base materialhaving a sheet configuration is wound; a rotating drum may be providedon which the base material having the sheet configuration, on which thedeposited body 210 is formed, is taken up; and the base material thathas the sheet configuration may pass over the collector 6. Thus, acontinuous deposition operation is possible. Therefore, the productionefficiency of the deposited body 210 made of the fiber 200 can beincreased.

The controller 7 controls the operations of the driving part 35, thepower supply 36, the supplier 42, the source material liquid controller43, and the power supply 5.

For example, the controller 7 can be a computer including a CPU (CentralProcessing Unit), memory, etc.

Further, the electrospinning apparatus 100 can further include animaging device 8 such as a CCD camera, etc.

The imaging device 8 images the deposition state of the fiber 200described below and transmits the image data that is imaged to thecontroller 7. Based on the image data that is received, the controller 7controls the position, the movement direction, the movement velocity,the applied voltage, etc., of the electrode 30 to cause the depositionstate of the fiber 200 to be a prescribed state.

The control amounts relating to the electrode 30 such as the position,the movement direction, the movement velocity, the applied voltage,etc., of the electrode 30 are affected by the process conditions such asthe components of the first liquid, the voltage applied to the nozzles20, the distance between the collector 6 and the nozzles 20, etc.Therefore, it is favorable to determine the control amounts relating tothe electrode 30 by performing experiments and/or simulations.

Effects of the electrospinning apparatus 100 will now be described.

The first liquid collects at the vicinity of the outlet 20 a of thenozzle 20 due to surface tension.

The power supply 5 applies a voltage to the nozzle 20. Then, the firstliquid that is at the vicinity of the outlet 20 a is charged with aprescribed polarity. In the case illustrated in FIG. 1, the first liquidthat is at the vicinity of the outlet 20 a is charged to be positive.Because the collector 6 is grounded, an electric field is generatedbetween the collector 6 and the nozzle 20. Then, when the electrostaticforce acting along the lines of electric force becomes larger than thesurface tension, the first liquid that is at the vicinity of the outlet20 a is drawn out toward the collector 6 by the electrostatic force. Thefirst liquid that is drawn out is elongated; and the fiber 200 is formedby the volatilization of the solvent included in the first liquid. Thefiber 200 that is formed is deposited on the collector 6 to form thedeposited body 210.

Here, the first liquid (the fiber 200) which is elongated reaches thecollector 6 by being attracted by the electrostatic force acting alongthe lines of electric force between the collector 6 and the nozzle 20.Therefore, it is difficult to control the position where the fiber 200is deposited, the deposition amount in a prescribed region, thealignment state of the deposited fiber 200, etc. In other words, thecontrol of the deposition state of the fiber 200 is difficult.

Therefore, in the electrospinning apparatus 100 according to theembodiment, the deposition state of the fiber 200 is controlled by theelectric field controller 3 controlling the electric field generatedbetween the nozzle head 2 and the collector 6.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view for illustrating equipotential lines 220 inthe case where the electrodes 30 are moved in a direction to approachthe nozzle head 2.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view for illustrating the equipotential lines 220in the case where the electrodes 30 are moved in a direction away fromthe nozzle head 2.

The electric field that is generated between the collector 6 and thenozzles 20 changes due to the effects of the electric field generatedbetween the collector 6 and the electrodes 30.

In such a case, as described above, because a voltage having the samepolarity as the voltage applied to the nozzles 20 is applied to theelectrodes 30, the lines of electric force coming from the nozzles 20toward the collector 6 and the lines of electric force coming from theelectrodes 30 toward the collector 6 repel each other. In other words,the electric field that is generated between the collector 6 and thenozzles 20 is defined by the lines of electric force coming from theelectrodes 30 toward the collector 6.

Therefore, in the case where the electrodes 30 are moved in thedirections approaching the nozzle head 2 as shown in FIG. 4, the linesof electric force coming from the nozzles 20 toward the collector 6 arebent in the central direction of the collector 6; and the electric fieldthat is generated between the collector 6 and the nozzles 20 isnarrowed. In such a case, the elongated first liquid (the fibers 200) isattracted by the electrostatic force acting along the lines of electricforce between the collector 6 and the nozzles 20; therefore, thedeposition position at the collector 6 moves toward the center of thecollector 6.

On the other hand, in the case where the electrodes 30 are moved in thedirections away from the nozzle head 2 as shown in FIG. 5, the lines ofelectric force coming from the nozzles 20 toward the collector 6 arebent in the outward direction of the collector 6; and the electric fieldthat is generated between the collector 6 and the nozzles 20 is widened.In such a case, the elongated first liquid (the fibers 200) is attractedby the electrostatic force acting along the lines of electric forcebetween the collector 6 and the nozzles 20; therefore, the depositionposition at the collector 6 moves toward the outer side of the collector6.

Therefore, the position where the fibers 200 are deposited, thedeposition amount in the prescribed region, etc., can be controlled bycontrolling the movement direction of the electrodes 30, the distancebetween the electrodes 30 and the nozzle head 2 (the nozzles 20), thevoltage applied to the electrodes 30, etc.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view for illustrating the control of the positionwhere the fiber 200 is deposited and of the deposition amount in theprescribed region.

FIG. 6 is a drawing of the nozzle head 2 when viewed from above.

When the electrode 30 is moved as shown in FIG. 6, the position wherethe fiber 200 is deposited moves in the reverse direction. Therefore, aposition 230 where the fiber 200 is deposited can be moved. In such acase, the deposition amount in the prescribed region can be controlledby the deposition time and the position 230 where the fiber 200 isdeposited. In other words, a local film thickness increase and/or alocal film thickness decrease are possible.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic views for illustrating the control of thealignment state of the deposited fiber 200.

FIG. 7A is a drawing of the nozzle head 2 when viewed from above.

As described above, the position where the fiber 200 is deposited movesin the reverse direction when the electrode 30 is moved. Therefore, byrepeatedly performing the back and forth movement of the electrode 30 asshown in FIG. 7A, the direction in which the deposited fiber 200 extendscan be orderly as shown in FIG. 7B. Here, as an example, in the nozzlehead 2, the multiple nozzles 20 may be arranged to be provided in themain part 22 with the connector 21 interposed. In such a case, each ofthe electrodes 30 can have back and forth motion in the directioncrossing the direction in which the multiple nozzles 20 are arranged. Insuch a case, it is necessary for the back and forth movement of theelectrodes 30 to be faster than the eject speed of the first liquid.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic views for illustrating the control of thealignment state of the deposited fiber 200.

FIG. 8A is a drawing of the nozzle head 2 when viewed from above.

If the direction of the back and forth movement of one electrode 30 andthe direction of the back and forth movement of another electrode 30 aredifferent as shown in FIG. 8A, the directions in which the depositedfibers 200 extend can be orderly in multiple directions as shown in FIG.8B. Also, weaving of the fibers 200 can be performed in the region wherethe two overlap. Here, as an example, in the nozzle head 2, the multiplenozzles 20 are arranged to be provided in the main part 22 with theconnector 21 interposed. In such a case, the electrodes 30 can haveindependent back and forth motions in the direction along the directionin which the multiple nozzles 20 are arranged and a direction crossingthe direction in which the multiple nozzles 20 are arranged.

FIGS. 9A to 9D are schematic views for illustrating forms of thedeposited body 210.

FIGS. 9A to 9D are drawings of the deposited body 210 when viewed fromabove.

As described above, by the electric field controller 3 controlling theelectric field generated between the nozzle head 2 and the collector 6,the deposition state of the fibers 200 can be changed.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9A, the deposited body 210 can be formedto match the planar configuration of the collector 6.

Also, as shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C, the deposited body 210 can be formedto have any planar configuration on the collector 6.

Also, as shown in FIG. 9C, the multiple deposited bodies 210 can beformed to be separated from each other on the collector 6.

Further, a local film thickness increase and/or a local film thicknessdecrease, etc., also can be performed by depositing the fibers 200 andnot depositing the fibers 200 at any position on the collector 6.

Further, as described above, there are also cases where a base materialis provided on the collector 6, and the base material having the sheetconfiguration moves on the collector 6. In such a case, the depositedbody 210 that has any configuration can be formed on the base materialto match the configuration and/or dimensions of the base material. Inother words, a local film thickness increase and/or a local filmthickness decrease, etc., also can be performed by depositing the fibers200 and not depositing the fibers 200 at any position on the basematerial, e.g., the base material having the sheet configuration, on thecollector 6.

In such a case, the deposited body 210 that has any configuration can beformed without stopping the electrospinning apparatus 100. Also, thedeposited body 210 can be formed without jutting from the collector 6and/or the base material. Therefore, a decrease of the consumed amountof the first liquid and/or improvement of the productivity can berealized.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are schematic perspective views for illustrating thecounter electrodes 37.

As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the counter electrodes 37, 38 a, and 38 bare provided on the side surface sides of the collector 6. The counterelectrodes 37, 38 a, and 38 b oppose the electrodes 30. Theconfigurations, sizes, numbers, etc., of the counter electrodes 37, 38a, and 38 b are not particularly limited. The configurations, sizes,numbers, etc., of the counter electrodes 37, 38 a, and 38 b can bemodified appropriately according to the number, movement range, etc., ofthe electrodes 30.

The counter electrodes 37, 38 a, and 38 b are grounded. Also, voltagesof the reverse polarity of the voltage applied to the electrodes 30 maybe applied to the counter electrodes 37, 38 a, and 38 b by anot-illustrated power supply. In such a case, the voltages that areapplied to the counter electrodes 37, 38 a, and 38 b are notparticularly limited. However, the occurrence of electro-dischargebetween the collector 6 and the counter electrodes 37, 38 a, and 38 bcan be suppressed if the voltages applied to the counter electrodes 37,38 a, and 38 b and the voltage applied to the collector 6 are about thesame. Also, the variations relating to the control of the depositionstate of the fibers 200 can be increased by changing the voltagesapplied to the counter electrodes 37, 38 a, and 38 b.

The counter electrodes 37, 38 a, and 38 b can be formed from aconductive material. It is favorable for the material of the counterelectrodes 37, 38 a, and 38 b to be conductive and to have resistance tothe first liquid. For example, the material of the counter electrodes37, 38 a, and 38 b can be stainless steel, etc. Also, the counterelectrodes 37, 38 a, and 38 b can be fixed; or the counter electrodes37, 38 a, and 38 b can be moveable in a prescribed direction. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 10A, the counter electrodes 37 can be moveablein the X-direction and the Y-direction.

Also, as shown in FIG. 10B, the counter electrodes 38 a that areprovided at the vicinity of the collector 6 can be fixed; and thecounter electrodes 38 b that are provided at more distal positions canbe moveable in a prescribed direction.

While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments havebeen presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit thescope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described hereinmay be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, variousomissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodimentsdescribed herein may be made without departing from the spirit of theinventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intendedto cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope andspirit of the inventions. Moreover, above-mentioned embodiments can becombined mutually and can be carried out.

What is claimed is:
 1. A nozzle head module, comprising: a nozzle headhaving a hole ejecting a source material liquid, the nozzle head beingconfigured to have a first voltage; and an electrode provided to berelatively movable with respect to the nozzle head, the electrode beingconfigured to have a second voltage, the second voltage being of thesame polarity as the first voltage.
 2. The module according to claim 1,wherein the electrode is provided on a side of a side surface of thenozzle head.
 3. The module according to claim 1, wherein the electrodeis electrically connected to the nozzle head.
 4. The module according toclaim 1, wherein in an extension direction of the hole, a tip of theelectrode is in an area which is on a side opposite to a eject directionof the source material liquid from a tip of the nozzle head.
 5. Themodule according to claim 1, wherein the nozzle head has a plurality ofthe holes, and a tip of the electrode is configured to be movable in adirection crossing an arrangement direction of the holes of the nozzlehead.
 6. The module according to claim 1, wherein the nozzle head has aplurality of the holes, and a tip of the electrode is configured to bemovable along the arrangement direction of the holes of the nozzle headand along the direction crossing the arrangement direction of the holesof the nozzle head.
 7. The module according to claim 1, wherein thenozzle head has a plurality of the holes, and a tip of the electroderotates with, as an axis, a direction crossing the arrangement directionof the holes, and is configured to be movable to change a spacing to theholes.
 8. The module according to claim 1, wherein a tip of theelectrode is configured to be able to have back and forth movement alongat least one of the arrangement direction of the holes of the nozzlehead or the direction crossing the arrangement direction of the holes ofthe nozzle head.
 9. A nozzle head module, comprising: a nozzle headhaving a hole electing a source material liquid, the nozzle head beingconfigured to have a first voltage; and an electrode provided to berelatively movable with respect to the nozzle head, the electrode beingconfigured to have a second voltage, the second voltage being of thesame polarity as the first voltage, a tip of the electrode beingconfigured to be movable in a direction crossing an arrangementdirection of the holes of the nozzle head.
 10. The module according toclaim 9, wherein the electrode is provided on a side of a side surfaceof the nozzle head.
 11. The module according to claim 9, wherein theelectrode is electrically connected to the nozzle head.
 12. The moduleaccording to claim 9, wherein in an extension direction of the hole, atip of the electrode is in an area which is on a side opposite to aeject direction of the source material liquid from a tip of the nozzlehead.
 13. The module according to claim 9, wherein the nozzle head has aplurality of the holes, and a tip of the electrode is configured to bemovable along the arrangement direction of the holes of the nozzle headand along the direction crossing the arrangement direction of the holesof the nozzle head.
 14. The module according to claim 9, wherein thenozzle head has a plurality of the holes, and a tip of the electroderotates with, as an axis, a direction crossing the arrangement directionof the holes, and is configured to be movable to change a spacing to theholes.
 15. The module according to claim 9, wherein a tip of theelectrode is configured to be able to have back and forth movement alongat least one of the arrangement direction of the holes of the nozzlehead or the direction crossing the arrangement direction of the holes ofthe nozzle head.
 16. An electrospinning apparatus, comprising: a nozzlehead having a hole electing a source material liquid, the nozzle headbeing configured to have a first voltage; an electrode provided to berelatively movable with respect to the nozzle head, the electrode beingconfigured to have a second voltage, the second voltage being of thesame polarity as the first voltage; a source material liquid suppliercapable of supplying the source material liquid to the nozzle head; anda power supply capable of supplying the first voltage to the nozzlehead.
 17. The apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising acounter electrode provided to oppose the electrode, the counterelectrode being grounded or having a third voltage, the third voltagebeing of the reverse polarity of the second voltage.
 18. The apparatusaccording to claim 16, wherein the counter electrode is providedmovably.
 19. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the nozzlehead has a plurality of the holes, and a tip of the electrode isconfigured to be movable in a direction crossing an arrangementdirection of the holes of the nozzle head.